In this article you will learn how to combine pasta with mascarpone cheese, ham and peas. You will need to know how to cook peas and understand how to read and follow instructions on pasta. This is no gourmet meal, this simple dish will feed hungry students, is quick and easy for a busy parent or a good meal for anyone inexperienced in meal preparation. Get started at step one below. Recipe serves four.

Ingredients

200g pasta spirals (or similar)

1 clove garlic, crushed

3 tbsp mascarpone cheese (add more if you wish)

3 tbsp milk

120g cooked ham

200g cooked peas

1 tbsp finely chopped chives

Salt and Pepper

Steps

1

Fill a big pan of water and add a good teaspoon of salt. Use less salt if you wish.

2

Bring it to boil on the stove or hob and add the pasta. Follow the instructions on a the packet to see how long you have to cook it for.

3

Add the crushed, chopped garlic to the mascarpone and milk and then stir. Do this while your pasta cooks.

4

Drain the pasta when it is cooked and stir it in the mascarpone mixture.

5

Cut the ham into pieces, using a knife and toss it all into the pasta with the cooked peas.

6

Stir in the chives, season with a little salt and pepper and serve at once. Crusty bread and a simple green salad can be served as an accompaniment.

7

Improve this basic dish by adding your favourite herbs, using a really good quality baked or honey roasted ham and the best mascarpone cheese you can obtain. Fresh peas, lightly blanched will enhance this or, try frozen petit pois if you can't get fresh peas. Add a little white wine to the mascarpone mix or try ricotta cheese instead, or even cream cheese such as Philadelphia if you are trying to cut costs rather than make the dish more luxurious.

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Tips

Use any type of pasta you desire.

Once cooked, divide the meal into four oven proof dishes, top with bread crumbs and grated hard cheese, e.g. Cheddar, and pop under a hot grill or into the oven until the cheese bubbles and the breadcrumbs are golden brown, then serve.